By Nkechi Eze
About 100 military personnel from the United States Armed Forces have arrived at Bauchi Airfield to commence a major training and advisory mission aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in tackling terrorism and other security threats.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the development in an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, describing the deployment as part of ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the statement, the deployment followed deliberations between Nigerian and United States defence officials during a bilateral working group engagement and was initiated at the formal request of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Major General Uba explained that the collaboration is designed to provide specialised military training, technical support, and intelligence-sharing capabilities to Nigerian troops as part of efforts to strengthen national security.
He stressed that the visiting US personnel are not combat troops but technical specialists serving strictly in training and advisory roles.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” he said.
He further clarified that all activities involving the US personnel would be conducted under the full authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Under the arrangement, Nigerian troops and their US counterparts will engage in a series of joint training programmes and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives aimed at improving operational effectiveness.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” the statement added.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening the country’s sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens.
It also assured Nigerians of continued transparency and pledged to provide clear, accurate, and timely information regarding the ongoing military cooperation between both countries.
The deployment marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities through international partnerships and improve its response to evolving security challenges.
